What Was the Capital of Czechoslovakia Before Prague?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re interested in the history of Czechoslovakia, you might be wondering what the capital of this country was before Prague. The answer may surprise you!

Before Prague: The Early Days

In the early days of Czechoslovakia’s existence, the capital city was actually Brno. This city is located in the eastern part of the Czech Republic and is still an important cultural and economic center today.

Over time, however, it became clear that Brno was not an ideal location for the country’s capital. It was too far from other major cities and transportation routes, making it difficult to govern effectively.

Moving to Prague

In 1918, just a few months after Czechoslovakia declared independence from Austria-Hungary, the decision was made to move the capital city to Prague. This city had several advantages over Brno:

  • It was more centrally located within the country.
  • It had better transportation links.
  • It had a rich cultural history and was already an important center for art, literature, and music.

The Importance of Prague

Today, it’s hard to imagine Czechoslovakia having any other capital than Prague. This city has become synonymous with Czech culture and identity. Its historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Prague is also home to many important cultural institutions such as the National Museum, the National Theatre, and Charles University – one of Europe’s oldest universities.

In Conclusion

So there you have it – Brno was briefly the capital of Czechoslovakia before being replaced by Prague in 1918. While Brno remains an important city in its own right, it’s clear that Prague is truly at the heart of Czech culture and history.